Magazine-firearm.



PATENTED DEG. 12, 1905.

A. M. NOLF.

MAGAZINE PIREARM.

APPLIGATION FILED JUNE so, 190s.

4 SHEETS--SIEE'I 1.

PATENTED DEG. l2, 1905.

A; M. NOLF.

MAGAZINE PIREARM. APPLICATION FILED JUNE so, 190s.

4 SHEETS-S Wigassas @ZM PATENTBD DEC. 12, 1905.

A. M. NOLP.

MAGAZINE FIRBARM.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE so. 190s.

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ALFRED MILROY NOLF, OF SALT LAKE OIT-Y, UTAH.

lVlAGAZl-NE-FIREARIVI.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 12, 1905.

Application filed June 30, 1903. Serial No. 163,763.

T0 all whom, it 11i/ay concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED MILRoY NoLF, a citizen of the United States, residing at Salt Lake City, in the county of Salt Lake and State of Utah, have invented a new and useful Magazine-Firearm, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to magazine-firearms, and more especially to magazine-firearms of what is generally known as the box type, in which the magazine consists of a box located adjacent to the breech of the firearm.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a magazine-firearm of such construction that the two movements by which the breech is opened and closed, the empty shell ejected, and a fresh cartridge introduced in its stead may comprise, first, a forward movement of the fore end of the firearm and, second, a rearward movement, thus leaving the hand of the user at the end of the operation in suitable position for firing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a magazine-firearm having a sliding barrel with improved mechanism for locking the barrel to the stock when the breech is closed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a magazine-firearm in which the length of the barrel obtainable in a firearm of given length may be greater than in any of the types of magazine-firearms hitherto used without increasing the over-all length of the barrel and stock, thereby insuring better balance of the firearm and enabling the sights to be placed nearer to the eye of the user.

A further object of the invention is to improve the construction of magazine-firearms, so that when the firearmis in position to be discharged the breech end of' the barrel will be covered by a solid casing, which will come pletel57 prevent the escape of gases from the breech of the firearm, and thus prevent danger of injury 'from that cause to the eyes of the user.

' Another object of primary importance had in view in the construction of my invention is to provide a double magazine consisting of two sections arranged on opposite sides of the firearm below the barrel and mechanism for removing theJ cartridges alternately from the sections of the magazine to replace the cartridges discharged, thus increasing the capacity of the magazine of the firearm without adding materially toits size or marring its symmetry.

Other objects contemplated in the construction of my invention are to so construct a magazine-firearm that it may be loaded with greater facility than usual in such weapons, so that it may be carried with less inconvenience upon the shoulder or upon the saddle of a horseman, so that the firearm may be readily taken down for convenience for carrying in a case and so that the parts of the mechanism of the firearm may be readily accessible for cleaning purposes whenever necessary.

In describing the construction and operation of the invention reference willbe had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which corresponding parts are designated by the same characters of' reference throughout the various views, it being understood that changes may be made in the -form, proportions, and exact mode of assembling of the elements exhibited without departing from the spirit of' the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages.

In the drawings, Figure l is a view in side elevation of a sporting-rifle constructed in accordance with this invention. Fig. 2 is a side View of the breech end of the rifle-barrel and the adjoining portion of the stock with parts broken away to show the lock mechanism and a portion of the mechanism associated with the magazine. Fig. 3 is a detail View, in longitudinal section, through the breech-block and breech end of' the barrel. Fig. L is a View of the breech-block looking from the front. Fig. 5 is a detail view of the hammer, trigger, and associated lock mechanism, showing the manner of cooking the hammer and setting the trigger. Fig. 6'is a detail view of a portion of the lock' mechanism, showing the construction of the sear, safety-set, and knockoff. Fig. 7 is a detail View showing principally the construction of the trigger and its safety device. Fig. 8 is a top View of the hammer and indicator. Fig. 9 is a detail View of the trigger-set and spring associated therewith. Fig. l() is a detail side View of the magazine cover latch, parts being broken away to show the mode of attachment of the spring. Fig. 11 is a top plan View of the magazine-cover latch with the spring broken away to show the construction of the latch. Fig. l2 is a View from the left side of the forward portion of the mechanism under the barrel for operating the barrel-lock and cartridge-shifting devices, the parts being in the position taken when the breech of the rifle is closed. Fig. 13 is a similar View with the TOO breech of the rifle open and a cartridge raised by the elevator. Fig. 14 is a detail View showing the means for forcing a cartridge into the grasp of the elevator-jaws. Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the guide-bar. Fig. 16 is a detail view from the rear of the vcartridgeelevator. Fig. 17 is a detail view from the front of th'e elevator. Fig-18 is adetail View from above of the elevator. Fig. 19 is a detail view in perspective of one of the elevatorjaws. Fig. 20 is a detail View in perspective of the elevator with one of the jaws removed. Fig. 21 is a detail view, in vertical section, longitudinally of the rie through the barrellocking bolt, showing the means of raising and lowering the same. Fig. 22 is a front view of the barrel-locking bolt with the conmeeting-rod in engagement with the cam-lugs on the bolt. Fig. 23 is an inverted plan View of the under side of the barrel-strap and breech-piece, showing the switch-'cam pivoted on the under surface of thc barrelstrap. Fig. 24 is a detail view in plan, illustrating the operation of the switch-cam in shifting the cartridgeforks, the cam being shown in dotted lines over the rear portion of the forks in the position occupied by the cam at the beginning' of a forward movement of the gunbarrel when the cartridge-forks are in the position shown in solid lines, the cam being shown in solid lines as it is just before the end of the forward movement is reached and in dotted lines again in the position taken at the end of the forward movement after the cam has been shifted by engagement with a lug on one of the spring-fingers which act as latches for the cartridge-forks. Fig. 25 is a view in vertical transverse section through the magazine-chambers and the barrel of theV rifle. Fig. 26 is a view in vertical transverse section just in front of the guide-loop. Fig. 27 is a detail view from above of the latch in the Vfore end. Fig. 28 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing the modified form of the fore end and the guide-bar used in the military form of the riie. Fig. 29 is a transverse section through the barrel and fore end of the military pattern. Fig. 30 is a detail view showing the modifications in the lock as used in the military pattern of rie. Fig. 3l is a perspective view ofa cartridge-clip for use with either pattern of the r1 e.

In the figures of the drawings there is illustrated and in the following specification there will be described an embodiment of the invention in a rifle, as that is the form of the invention which will be most generally used; but it is to be understood that the same principles of operation may be applied with but slight modiications of the mechanism to a shotgun.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters, A designates the stock of the form of the riiie designed for sporting purposes.

B designates the frame containing the lock,

hammer, magazines; and the'mechanism for shifting the cartridges from the magazine into alinernent with `the bore ofthe barrel.

C designates a combined trigger-guard and plate for closing the bottom of the frame B.

D designates the barrel of the rifle, E the fore end, and F a plate for closingthe bottom of the magazine.

1n the detailed description of the parts of the invention and their workings the mechanism will be considered in sections, and the construction and operation ofthe elements of each section will bedisclosed as completely as possible separately from the" oth'er'sections.

Following the plan above outlined the structure. of the breech-bloclnliring, and cartridgeejecting mechanisms will irst' be described.

1 designates the breech-block.' which is of substantially cylindrical` form and'provided at its forwarden'd with ahead laof larger diameter than the remainder-of the'breech-block and havingat its rear end asolid extension l. The breech-block issecured'dn position in a tubular container B" in the upper vportion of the frame B and held in position by means of a securing-screw l, whichengages a suitable socket in the solid extension 1l. Theunder surface of the breech-block is cut away at 1d to permit the passage of a "hammer lor striker hereinafter to be described. The {iring-pin 2 consists of a reduced forward portion 2 and an enlarged rear portion 2" and is slidably mounted in the bore of the breech-block at its forward end and projects through asmall opening in the head1 of the breech-block when driven forwardl by the hammeror'striker.

Mounted in a groove on the upper surface of thebreech-block is an extractor 3, provided at its forward end with a catch-lng 3 and at its rear end'with a securing-lug 3l. The latter engages a suitable opening in thebreechblock and holds the' extractorinproper relation thereto, with the catch-lug disposed a short distance in front of the head lu of the breech-block. The `extractor is made of resilient material and is held normallyin contact with the bottom of the groove on the upper surface of the breech-block in which it lies, b ut is susceptible of slight `movement away from the bottom of said groove, especially at its forward end, a certain amount of play being' allowed by the opening lc in the head of the breech-block, through which the extractor 3 projects. This play of the extractor is provided in order to insure the engagement of the catch-lug 3 with the rim' of the cartridge when in the barrel ofthe rifle when it is desired to withdraw the shell therefrom.`

At the lower side of the head lof the breechblock and diametrically opposite to the extractor 3 there is provided a forwardly-projecting lug 1f, having a rounded front end to cause it to pass readily under a cartridge. Immediately above the lug lf and slidable in a` guide-channel provided therefor in the lower IOO IIO

part of the breech-block isan ejector-pin 4, consisting of a reduced forward portion 4 and an enlarged rear portion 11". The portion 4 of the ejector passes through the opening in the end of the breech-block provided therefor, and the enlarged portion 11h is held normally in contact with the rear surface of the head of the breech-block by means of an ejector-spring 6, which abuts at one end against part 4b of the ejector and at the other end against the end of a screw--plug 5. The screw-plug ,5 serves not only to keep the ejector inY its normal forward position by pressing against the rear end of the spring 6, but also retains the firing-pin 2 in the bore provided for it in the breech-block 1 by the engagement of the head of the screw with a r shoulder formed on the under surface of the firing-pin 2.

The firing-pin 2 is freely slidable in the opening provided for it in the breech-block, and when the rifle is in firing position the firingpin is forced back to its rearward position by the cartridge in the barrel of the rifle. When the hammer or striker hereinafter to be described strikes the rear portion of the tiringpin, it is driven forward in the usual manner against the cap in the cartridge and causes its discharge.

NVhen the parts of the rifle are in firing position and a cartridge is in the barrel, the extractor 3 engages with the rim of the cartridge upon the upper side thereof, as shownin Fig. 3,' and the ejector-pin is forced back against the pressure of spring 6 by Contact. with the lower portion of the head of the cartridgeshell. The extractor and the lug 1f at this time are both projecting into recesses provided 'for them in the end of the barrel and vthe head of the cartridge-shell rests against ythe head 1L of the breech-block. After the rifle is fired the barrel is moved forward and the empty shell is drawn out by the action of the catch-lug 3l on the forward end of the extractor. As soon as the shell is entirely free of the barrel it is thrown upward and to the left by the force of spring 6 acting upon the ejector-pin which presses against the lower portion of the head of theempty shell. The movement of the shell to the left, as well as upward,"is brought about by the arrangement of the extractor and ejector in a diametrical line across the head of the breech-block in oblique position, as shown.

The lock mechanism of the rifle is mounted on top of the combined trigger-plate and guard C, on the upper surface of which is secured a vertical plate 7,` which cooperates with a bridle 16 to support most of the lock mechanism.

The hammer or striker 8 is of irregular form and is mounted to swing on a pivot-pin 8a, screw-threaded at onel end and engaging with a threaded opening in the upper forward corner of the plate 7. The striker 8 has a top of segmental form and is provided with a striking-surface 8b, a shoulder 8e for the engagement of a sear, with a rearward and downward projection 8d, and with a cam-surface 8e below the Sear-engaging shoulder. The hammer has a portion of the metal of which it is formed cut away on the right face thereof adjacent `to the pivot-pin 8a to afford play for an eccentric lever 18, which is mounted to swing upon pivot-pin 8 and which has a lug 18a, which engages with the hammer for the purpose hereinafter to be explained, and an arm 18b of peculiar form, which is adapted to engage .with the connecting-rod 30, as will be afterward explained. The trigger 9 is pivotally mounted on pivot-pin 9, which extends through plate 7 and a rib C/ provided ron the upper surface ofthe trigger-plate C. r1`he trigger has a finger-pull 9b, which projects downward through a slot in the plate C in the usual manner. Above the pivot-pin 9a the trigger has an upwardly and rearwardly extending arm 9c, from which projects at the end thereof a pin 9d for engagement with a slot in the operating-arm of the sear 21. rlhe body of the trigger 9 has a recess 9e formed in the upper surface thereof to provide a seat for a pivoted safety-set 10, which is provided with a spring 10, which projects rearwardly and upwardly therefrom. In the front surface of the body of the trigger 9is a recess 9t for the entrance of a trigger-lockll. The safetyset 10 swings through a considerable arc, its movement being limited by the forward wall of the recess 9e, in which it is mounted, and a set-screw 10, which extends upward and rearward through the body of the trigger 9 and engages a shoulder formed on the lower and rear surface of the safety 10.

The safety-lock 11 is slidably mounted upon the trigger-plate C, itsmovement thereon being limited by a pin 11", which projects through the safety-lock and through slots provided therefor in rib C' and the plate 7. The safetylock 11 consists of a horizontally-disposed body portion and a downward projection 11b, which extends through a slot in plate C and forms means for operating the lock by hand. The horizontal portion of safety-lock is provided at the rear thereof on the left side with a lug 11C, which projects above the rest of the safety-lock and is adapted to engage with a downwardly-disposed lug on a pivoted latch 13. Just at the front of the lug 11C the lock y11 has a recess 11d, with which engages the end of a lever 20, by means of which the safety-lock is automatically actuated, as will hereinafter appear.

12 designates the mainspring, which is supported upon a stud 12, projecting from the plate 7, upon which the mainspring is held by a projecting lug 7 at the rear of plate 7 and a stud 12b near the upper forward corner of the plate 7. Latch 13, mentioned above, is mounted to swing upon a screw 13f, located IOO just beneath the stud 12, and said latch 13` upon a grooved strap 24, which extends loncomprises a rearwardly-extending arm 13,

with a laterally-projecting terminal lug 13b and a forwardly-projecting arm 13,.having at the top a laterally-projecting lug 13 and at the bottom a downwardly-projecting lug 13e, which engages with the lug 11c on the trigger-lock, as above specilied.

A sear 21 is mounted to swing upon a stud 21", projecting from the plate 7 above the mainspring 12. The Sear 21 comprises an upper portion 21, having a shoulder 21'l for engagement with the hammer or striker, and an arm 21, which projects downward from the stud 21 and is provided near its lower end with a slot 21, adapted to be engaged b y the pin 9d on trigger-arm 9.

The irregular member 17, mounted to swing beneath the hammer 8, will be referred to as the knock-olf. The knock-off consists, preferably, of a pivot-pin 17, formed integral with the rest of the knock-off, an upwardlyprojecting portion 17, and a lower curved portion 17, terminating at its rear end in a small hook 17d for engagement with a lug upon the safety-set 10, as will hereinafter be explained.

All of the members of the lock mechanism hereinbefore described are held in propel' relation by means of the bridle 16. The bridle 16 supports one end of stud 21 and pivot-pin 17 and is held in position by means of screws 8, 16, and 16". The screw 8, which forms the pivot-pin that supports the hammer 8, also supports the pivoted indicator-spring 19, which carries at its rearward end a screw 19, one end of which is engaged by the cam-surface 8 on the hammer as it is forced backward in cooking, and the other end of which projects through an opening in the frame B to indicate the position of the hammer. A lug 19h is formed on the indicator-spring adjacent to screw 19 to engage the upper surface of bridle 16 and hold the indicator-spring "in propel' relation to the opening in frame B to permit the introduction of the screw 19 through said opening into the indicatorspring. rl`he combined guard and triggerplate C is attached to the frame B by means of a screw C at the rear end thereof and a cross-pin 22.

At the forward end of the combined trigger plate and guard C is provided a locking-bolt 14 for the magazine-cover plate F. Lockingbolt 14 is slidably mounted in guideways formed in the plate C and is normally held in position by means of a spring 15, attached at one end to the plate C by a screw 15 and engaging at the other end with an opening in the bolt 14. The frame B has the upper edges of the sides thereofl forward of the lock mechanism bent inward to form guides for the backward-and-forward movement of the barrel D. The barrel D is provided at its rear end with a breech-piece 23 and is secured rigidly gitudinally of the barrel, and is provided along its edges, at the rear portion thereof, with grooves for engagement with the upper edges of the sides of the frame B, to which reference has alreadybeen made.

In the frame B under the barrel there is firmly secured, by means of screws, a guideba'r, (designated generally as 28,) which is of the peculiar contour illustrated in 15. The guide-bar 28 ,is secured to the frame B by screws 28, 28, and 28, the first of which passes through an eye formed at the extreme rear of the guide-bal"""28 and engages with a dependent partition in the casing between the lock mechanism and the mechanism concerned more particularly in the operation yof the magazine. The screws 28 and 28c pass through the bar 28 and engage with lugs provided on the walls of the frame B near the forward end thereof, as shown, thus affording a {irm support for the guide-bar, upon which most of the strain attendant upon the operation of the magazine falls.

Slidably mounted upon the forward portion of the grooved barrel-strap 24 is a guide-loop 29, which has grooves cut in the sides thereof for the engagement of the sides of guide-bar 28. rlhe loop 29 is slidably mounted upon the strap 24, but has its movement thereon limited by a stop-screw 24"*and by a pawl 25, pivoted in the loop 29 and actuated by aspring 25. The pawl 25 has at one end an upturned lng 25", adapted to engage a short slot 24 in the barrel-strap 24. At the other end the pawl 25 terminates in adownwardly and forwardly disposed arm adapted to contact with a lug 28 on the upper surface of guide-bar 28 for the purpose that will afterward appear.

To the lower portion of the guide-loop 29 is rigidly secured a frame 29, having two downwardly facing openings 29", through which project the ends of a curved member 36, which is pivotally mounted in the frame 29 and has at the rear a catch to engage with a catch-lug 28ll on bar 28. One end of member 36 is always projected through one of the openings 29 by means of a spring 35, having a central longitudinal slot 35, through which the curved member 36 projects. Upon either side of the slot 35, just above the pivot-pin upon which the member 36 swings, is provided a small V-shaped elevation 35", and member 36 is provided on either side with a laterally-projecting lug 36, which is adapted to pass over said elevation and to cause the curved member 36 to remain at all times with one end or the other projecting downward through its opening 29". At the forward end of frame 29 there is provided a transverse pin 29, which engages with recesses provided therefor in thesections of the fore end E. Upon the under surface of guide-bar 28, toward the rear thereof, are two downwardlyprojecting longitudinal ribs 28, formed in- IOO tegral therewith-and spaced apart to provide a guideway for connecting-rod 30, to be described in detail later on. At the rear the ribs 28e terminate in hooks 28i for the engagement of lugs 26aat the rear of the cartridge-guide frame 26, which comprises the box-like portion 2Gb, formed of sheet metal and provided at its forward end with outwardly-curved wings 36 and the central rib 26d, to which the boxlike portion 26b is attached and upon which at the rear end are formed the lugs 26', already mentioned. The rib 26d forms the lower surface of a guideway for connectingrod 30, above mentioned, and is attached near its forward end to a pivot-screw 27, which extends through the ribs 28e near their forward ends and forms the support of the cartridge-elevator lever 27.

The elevator-lever 27 is pivotally connected at its rear end with the elevator-frame 4l, provided at the back with guide-loops 41, through 'which project pins 28g at the top of an upward projection 2811 near the rear of the guide-bar 28. The elevator-frame 41 carries two springjaws 42, mounted one on each side of the frame and adapted normally to lie in contact therewith, but capable of being forced away from the frame by the entrance ofthe head of a cartridge between them. rlhe jaws 42 are preferably curved'on the inner faces, so as to obtain suflicient grasp of a cartridge to prevent its being thrown too high if the elevatorframe is operated very suddenly, and each of said jaws 42 is provided just in front of the back plate of the elevator-frame with a vertical groove for engagement with the iange upon the head of a cartridge. The connecting-rod 30,mentioned above as sliding between the ribs 28e, is provided upon one side with a stepped cam-groove 3Qa for engagement with a stud 27 b at the forward end of the elevatorlever 27, and bythe reciprocations of the connecting-rod 30 the elevator-lever is actuated in suitable relation to the operation of the other mechanism of the rifle.

Connecting-rod 30 contacts at the forward limit of its movement with the catch-lug 28J upon the under surface of the guide-bar 28 at the forward end thereof, and the rearward movement of the connecting-rod 30 is limited by the contact of the stud 27b with the end of cam-slot 30a. The connecting-rod 30 is reciprocated by the movements of the sliding loop 29, towhich the rod 30 is connected by the engagement of a downwardly-disposed stud 3()b upon the forwar'd end 'of the rod with an opening in the rear of spring 35. rear end of connecting-rod 30 there is provided on either side thereof a downwardly and rearwardly extending groove 30c'for engagement with lugs upon a locking-bolt 34, presently to be described. To the rear of the groove 3()c the connecting-rod 30 is reduced in size and is provided upon the right with a stud 30d for engagement with the dependent Near the arm on eccentric-lever 18 of the loch, and upon the left is provided at the end thereof a small cam 30e, which engages with a stud 2()a on the lever 2O to throw the safety-catch 11 to operative engagement with the recess provided therefor in the trigger 9.

The locking-bolt 34 is slidably mounted in vertical grooves provided therefor in the side walls of the frame Band is held from movement therein under the influence of gravity by means of a small spring 34a, lying in a shallow groove upon one side of the locking-bolt and pressing against the side of the frame.

Locking-bolt 34 is provided with a large central opening for the passage of the rear portion of guide-bar 28 without interference with the-vertical movement of the lockingbolt and upon its upper surface is provided with a plurality of ribs 34h, arranged transversely of the main portion of the lockingbolt and extending upwardly and forwardly upon the lateral ears 34c at either side thereof. The ribs upon the upper surface'of the locking-bolt are adapted to engage with correspondingly-placed ribs upon the breechpiece 23, and owing to the inclination of the ribs on the lateral ears of the locking-bolt and upon the sides of the breech-piece the breech-block'will be forced backward by a sort of wedge action when the y,ribs of the locking-bolt come into engagement with the ribs on the breech-piece. When the gun is unbolted, the inclination of the ribs on the lateral ears of locking-bolt and on the breechpiece gives strong but slow forward impulse to the barrel and completely extracts the shell. The transverse ribs on the body portion of the breech-piece and the corresponding ribs upon the top of the locking-bolt come into engagement when the locking-bolt is forced completely home and cooperate to lock the barrel into very firm contact with the frame B.

Near the lower end thereof the lockingbolt 34 is provided with an opening for the passage of the connecting-rod 30, and immediately above said opening there are placed a pair of inwardly-projecting inclined camlugs 34d, which engage with a pair of grooves, already mentioned, upon the sides of the connecting-rod 30, by means of which the locking-bolt 34 is caused to move up and down in the guides provided therefor in the casing B.

Upon the guide-bar 28, near the forward end thereof, there is provided on the upper surface an opening for a screw 31a, passing through a collar 31h, to which are attached two rearwardly-extending forks 31,'each of which is slightly resilient. The cartridgeforks extend backward within thelframe B, within which they terminate, above the magazine-chambers, hereinafter to be described. Each cartridge-fork is provided on the under side with a lug which engages an undercut IOO curved rib on the guide-bar 28. At the outer side of each of the forks there is secured a spring 32, which aids in the operation of the fork to shift the cartridges from the magazine-chambers into position to be engaged by the spring-jaws on the cartridge-elevator. On the under surface of the guide-bar 28, at the forward end thereof, are attached by screws 33u two spring-fingers 33, each of which extends rearwardly and has projecting' upward through openings provided therefor in the guide-bar two lugs 33h and 33a, respectively. Spring-fingers 33 serve as locks for the forks 31 in the manner to be hereinafter explained.

The magazine consists of two chambers B2 and B3, formed within the frame B upon either side of the rear portion of the guide-bar 28, the outer walls of the chambers being formed by the side walls of the frame B and the inner walls by the cartridge-guide frame 26, already described. At the top of the chambers and B3 are provided curved inwardly-projecting wings B' and B, which prevent the upward movement of the cartridges beyond the desired level, and vertical ribs B and BT are provided on the inner surfaces of said walls of the frame B to hold the cartridges out of contact thereu with and permit the passage of springs 3Q,upon the cartridge-forks, between the cartridges and the side walls of the frame B.

The cartridges are introduced into the chambers B2 and B:i from the under side, the riie being reversed in position to permit the introduction Vof the cartridges, and the magazine is closed by the cover-plate F, which is pivotally supported at the forward end of the frame B in bearings formed by lugs F and F2, lugs F' being provided on the guide-bar 28 on the under surface, thereof and lugs F2 being attachedto the side walls of the frame B and extending forward under the lugs F', as shown. The cover F of the magazine has rigidly attached thereto two upwardly-pro-- jecting ears 39, to each of which is rigidly united a laterally-projecting stud 40, and upon said studs 40 are pivotally mounted followerfingers 38, each of which is normally thrown upward by means of a spring 37, one end of which is inserted into an opening in a lug carried by the follower-finger and the other end of which is inserted in an opening in the stud upon which the follower-linger is pivotally mounted. Each of the follower-lingers has associated therewith a pivoted equalizer 39, mounted upon one end of a pin 39h, which extends through the ears 39 upon the magazine-cover. Each of the pivoted equalizers is provided with an outwardly-projecting lug or stud 39, which engages with a curved slot provided therefor in the follower-finger with -which the equalizer is associated, as best seen in Fig. 2. By means of the construction above described the upward movement of the free end of each of the follower-fingers is accompanied by a corresponding upward movecome;

l ment of the equalizer associated therewith,

and the simultaneous movement of the equalizer upward with its follower-finger serves to keep the cartridges in each chamber of the magazine in proper relation to the upper part of the magazine and the cartridge-forks, by means of which the cartridges are shifted from the magazine into position under the barrel.

In order to insure proper alternate action of the cartridge-forks 31 in shifting the cartridges from the two magazine-chambers, the automatic switch-cam 43 of peculiar design is pivotally mounted on the lower surface of barrel-strap 24 about midway between the ends thereof, as shown. The forward end of the cam 43 is pivoted on a screw 43, and the rear end thereof is free to swing laterally and when shifted is held in either position bymeans of a small spring 44, one end of which is inserted into an opening in barrel-strap 24 and the other end of which engages an opening in thc upper surface of the switch-cam near its free end. The lateral movement of the switchcam is limited by a stud 44", which engages with acurved slot in the switch-cam and which is rigidly attached to the under surface of the barrel-strap 24. Switch-cam 43 is provided on either side, near its forward end, with an incline 43b for engagement with the studs 33, provided on the spring-fingers 33, which serve as locks for the cartridge-forks. Projecting downward from the lower surface of the switch-cam is a diamond-shaped portion 43, the sides of which are adapted to contact with ribs 31c on the upper surface of the cartridgeforks 3l in a manner hereinafter to be explained.

IOO

When it is desired to use the gun, the fore end E should be grasped and moved forward to the full limit of its movement, carrying with it the connecting-rod 30 and the barrel D, it being assumed that the catch on pivoted member 36 is depressed, so as not to engage with the depending lug on the forward end of guide-bar 28. As the fore end E starts forward it travels a short distance before imparting any movement to the barrel D. During this first portion of this movement the fore end causes the connecting-rod 30, which is held in engagement therewith by means already explained, to travel forward, and by the engagement of the cam-grooves on the con- IOS necting-rod with the lugs upon the lockingend. As the curved arm of the eccentric-lever swings forward the lug on the upper end thereof engages with the hammer 8 and throws it backward into position for engagement by the sear 21, which is held normally in position to engage with the shoulder provided on the hammer 8 by means of the spring carried by the safety-set 10, which causes the arm 9c on the trigger to be normally thrown backward, and the stud 9d on said arm engaging the slot provided therefor in the arm 21c on the sear holds the sear normally in position for engagement with the shoulder on the hammer 8. The swing of the eccentric-lever 18 upon its pivot also brings it into engagement with the upper portion of the knock-off member 17 and swings the latter upon its pivot, so that the curved end thereof is thrown upward for the hook provided at the extremity thereof to engage with the lug provided for that purpose on the safety-set 10. The first portion of the forward movement of the connecting-rod 30 brings the cam 30e at the rear end thereof into engagement with the stud at the forward end of trigger-locking lever 2()` which causes the forward end of said lever 2O to be depressed and the safety device 11 to be forced rearward, so that the end thereof enters the recess 9f in the body portion of the trigger, so positively locking the trigger in position and preventing accidental release of the striker by a pull upon the trigger when the gun is open. When the safety device 11 moves into operative position engaging the trigger, as above specified', the lug at the forward end of the lock-latch 13 engages with the lug at'the rear of safety device 11 and holds it firmly in operative position, from .which it cannot be disengaged until the return of the connecting-rod 30 to its normal position.

When the fore end has traveled forward far enough to produce a movement of the locking-bolt 34 and in the gun-lock, as above described, the pawl 25 in guide-loop 29 engages with the slot provided for it in grooved barrel-strap 24 and the loop29 contacts with the stop-screw 24h and causes the barrel to travel forward with the fore end during the remainder of its movement, thus opening the breech of the gun to permit the introduction of a cartridge into the barrel and if the gun has been red permitting the extraction and ejection of the empty shell. As the fore end approaches the forward limit of its movement the elevator-lever 27 is swung upon its pivot by the engagement of the stud at thek forward end of the lever with the incline in the cam-groove on the connecting-rod 30 near the rear end thereof. This movement of the elevator-lever raises the elevator, as shown in Fig. 13. When the fore end has reached the limit of its movement and the breech of the gun is fully opened, the magazine cover F is opened by pressure upon the latch lltand the two magazine-chambers are filled with cartridges introduced separately or in clips or partly separate and partly in aclip. The magazine-cover is then closed and latched and a cartridge introduced into the barrel of the gun before closing it. When the magazine has been charged and the cartridge introduced into the barrel of the gun, the sliding fore end is moved backward, bringing with it the barrel and the connectingrod 30. As the connectingrod 30 moves rearward the stud at the forward end ofthe elevator-lever 27 travels along the lower portion ofthe cam-groove in the connectingrod,and about midway of the return movement of the connecting-rod said stud engages with the inclined forward end of said lower portion of the cam-groove and causes the cartridgeelevator to be lowered to its normal position. Further rearward movement of the connecting-rod brings the rear portion of the connect'- ing-rod into engagement with the curved arm of the eccentric-lever 18 and causes it to return to its normal position, leaving the other parts'of the lock mechanism in the position above specified. The locking-bolt 34 is of course thrown into engagement with the breech-piece by the action of the cam-grooves formed on the connecting-rod upon the camlugs provided on the locking-bolt for engagement therewith. As the fore end travels rearward the barrel reaches the limit of its rearward travel before the fore end contacts with the forward end of the frame B, and when this occurs the pawl 25 is released from engagement with the slot in the grooved barrelstrap 24 by the passage of the end-of the pawl over the lug 28, provided therefor on the guide-bar 28. As the barrel moves rearward with the fore end the cartridge-fork upon the side toward which the switch-cam 43 is swung is thrown inward toward the median line of the gun by the engagement of the rib 31e on said cartridge-fork with the diamond-shaped downwardly-projecting portion of said cam. This movement of the cartridge-fork throws the cartridge from the magazine-chamber in which said 'fork works into position to be gripped by the spring-jaws of the elevator when the cartridge is forced backward bythe continued rearward movement of the breechpiece, upon the under surface of which is provided a curved lug 23 for engagement with the cartridge to eect this result. After the cartridge in the gun-barrel has been fired the fore end -of the gun is moved forward, as eX- plained, and all of the movements ofthe mechanism already described as brought about by the forward movement of the fore end again take place. In addition thereto the empty shell of the cartridge which has just been fired is withdrawn from the barrel by the extractor 3 and is thrown rearward and to the left by the forward impulse of the ejector 1 as soon as the gun-barrel is moved forward far enough v for the end of the cartridge to clear it.

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With the forward movement of the gunbarrel the lug 33h upon the spring-finger 33 on the side of the gun toward which the automatic switch-cam 43 is swung engages with the said cam to swing it to the opposite side of the gun. Immediately after the swinging of the switch-cam to the opposite side of the gun takes place the spring-finger 33, to which is attached thelug33", which swings the switchcam, is forced downward by the depression of the lug 33h as it passes under the switch-cam. The depression of the said spring-finger inthe manner explained lowers the lug 33c near the rear end of said spring-finger suiiiciently to permit the cartridge-fork, which had been held in position in the median line of the gun by said lug 33, to return to its normal position, so that on the return movement of the gun the spring at the rear end of the cartridgel fork may pass outside of a cartridge in the magazine. The upward movement of the cartridge-elevator, which takes place at the end of the forward movement of the barrel at this time causes the cartridge which had already been forced into the spring-jaws of the elevator by the closing movement of the gun-barrel previous to firing to be raised into alinement with the bore of the gun-barrel, so that when the gun is closed said cartridge will enter the barrel and be held there when the elevator descends. Upon the return movement of the fore-end to close the gun the switch-cam 43, which, as above explained, has been swung to the opposite side ofthe gun, engages with the other of the. cartridge-forks and throws a second cartridge into position under the gun-barrel, where it is gripped by the elevator-jaws as the gun-barrel approaches the rearward limit of its movement.

In the foregoing description of the operation of the gun it has been assumed that it is desired to use it as a magazine-gun. When it is desired to cut off the magazine from the' gun and use it as a single-shot firearm, the rear end of the curved member 36 should be pressed upward. This will throw the catch at the rear end of said curved member into position to engage with the lug at the forward end of the guide-bar 28 and will prevent the sliding loop 29 from moving far enough forward to cause the operation of the cartridgeelevator, thus preventing the passage of a cartrldge from the magazine into alinement with the bore of the gun-barrel.

Owing to the simplicity of the mechanism end of the barrel is held positively in engagement with the frame by the wedge action of the locking-bolt. It will also be observed that the end of the barrel is brought directly against the frame and that an additional length of the barrel is secured thereby, thus permitting the sights to be brought closer to the eye of the user than is common in magazine-firearms.

As the barrel, fore-end, and guide-loop 29 are con nected with the stock and its associated mechanism only by engagement of the upper edges of the side walls of frame B with the grooves in barrel-strap 24 and by the engagement of the lug at the forward end of connecting-rod 30 with the spring 35, the barrel and fore-end may be very readily detached from the stock and its mechanism by pressing equally upon the two ends of curved member 36, causing the lug 36UL to ride over the elevated portion 35'J of the spring 35, thereby depressing said spring, as seen in Fig. 12, and permitting the disengagement of connectingrod 30 from said spring, so that the gun-bar rel and fore-end may be drawn forward out of engagement with the stock. This construction enables the gun to be taken down instantly when desired, facilitates inspection and cleaning, and permits the gun to be carried in a case occupying small space when the gun is not required for immediate use.

In the foregoing paragraphs the description has been confined to the constructive features found in the sporting pattern of the rifle. When a rifle for military service is constructed in accordance with this invention, certain modifications are made in the structure, as hereinafter described. These modifications are illustrated in Figs. 28 to 30, inclusive. The fore-end instead of being the form best shown in Fig. l is of the form shown inFigs. 28 and 29, comprising an extension 45, inserted into a metal cap 46, rigidly secured to the rifle-barrel by means of a strap 47, and the movable member E, recessed at its forward end to telescope over the cap. The guide-bar' 28 is' prolonged and extends through a suitably-shaped aperture in the end of the cap 45, as seen in both Figs. 28 and 29, thus forming a stronger and more solid support for the guide-bar than is afforded in the sporting pattern of the rifle and adapting it for the heavier use to which a military riie is subjected. Otherwise the structure of the fore-end and the mechanism contained therein is as hereinbefore described.

The rifle for military service is constructed, preferably, with a straight stock instead of a stock with a pistol-grip, as illustrated in Fig. l', and the trigger-set provided in the sporting pattern of rifle is eliminated, thus doing away with the member 10 (best shown in Fig. 9) and making unnecessary a hook at the rear ICO end of member 17. The spring 10, attached to the member l0, is, however, retained, but

instead of being inserted into a slot in member 10, as shown inA Fig. 9, is attached by a small screw or rivet to the trigger 9, as shown in Fig. 30, in which is also shown the member 17 with Vthe terminal hook removed therefrom. With these exceptions the lock mechanism is the same as that employed in the sporting pattern of rifle already described.

The cartridge-clip illustrated in Fig. 3l is one which is adapted for use in a rifle having a magazine of the type which I employ. It will be observed that the clip comprises a member 47 with overturned edges at one side and `both ends to engage with the flanges at the heads of the cartridges inserted into the clip, and a member 48, having a turned-over edge along one side only. The member 48 is slidably associated with member 47 a, so that it may be moved longitudinally in either direction along the rear surface of the member 47 until the end of member 48 coincides with the end of said member 47a. By constructing the clipin this manner itis possible to use the same clip in either chamber of the maga- Zine, it being understood that when used in the right chamber the sliding member 48 will be moved into coincidence with the member 47 l at one end, and when used in the left chamber the sliding member 48 will be moved into coincidence with the other end of member 47". When one end of member 48 coincides with one end of member 47 a, the other end of member 47 will project beyond the end of member 48 a sufficient distance to allow a cartridge to be withdrawn over the end of member 48.

Having thus described the construction and operation of my invention, what I claim as new., and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a stock, guides extending forwardly 'from the stock, a barrel slidably mounted upon said guides, a guide-bar rigidly supported beneath said barrel and attached to the stock, a rib on said guide-bar near the forward end thereof, a metal strap secured to said barrel on the under surface thereof and having an opening, a guide-loop slidable on said strap and on said guide-bar. a spring-pressed pawl in said guideloop adapted to engage the opening in said strap and to be forced out of engagement therewith by the rib upon said guide-bar, and a fore-end rigidly associated with said guideloop.

2. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of ahammer, a trigger, a latch for said trigger, a sliding fore-end, and connections be. tween said fore-end and said hammer and beof a hammer, a trigger, a latch for said trigger, a lock to hold said trigger-latch positively in operative position, and a sliding fore-end operatively connected with the said latch and said hammer whereby the forward movement of the fore-end cocks the hammer, sets and latches the trigger and locks the trigger-latch positively in operative position.

4. In a magazine-firearm, the combination `with a barrel, of apair of cartridge-chambers one on either side of the barrel near the breech end, means in said chambers for raising the cartridges therein, and means for alternately removing the uppermost cartridge in each chamber and introducing it into the barrel.

5.' In a magazine-rearm, the combination with a barrel, of a pair of cartridge-chambers located one on each side of the barrel near the breech end thereof, a pivoted cartridge-shifter for each of said chambers, and 'means for operating said Shifters alternately.

6. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a barrel, a pair of cartridge-chambers located one on either side of said barrel near the vbreech end thereof, a pivotally-mounted fork of a sliding barrel, a pair of cartridge-chambers located one on either side of the breech end of said barrel, a pivoted cartridge-shifting fork located in each of said chambers, means associated with said barrel for operating said forks alternately to shift the car' tridge from the magazine-chamber into position beneath said barrel, and means for holding the fork in position under the barrel until the cartridge has been disengaged from the fork.

8. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a sliding barrel, a pair of cartridge-chambers located one on either side of said barrel near the breech end thereof, a pair of pivoted cartridge-shi fting forks, means associated with the barrel whereby the rearward movement of the barrel actuates one of said cartridgeforks and causes it to shift a cartridge into position beneath the barrel, and means for locking said fork in position beneath the barrel until the forward movement of the barrel.

9. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a stationary guide-bar, a barrel slidably mounted above said guide-bar, a pair of cartridge-chambers located adjacent to the breech end of said barrel one upon either side thereof and below the level of the barrel, a pair of pivoted cartridge-shifting forks adapted to shift the cartridges alternately from said chambers into position under said barrel, a pair of spring-nngers attached to said guidebar and provided with locking-lug adapted to lock said forks alternately in position under said barrel when they have been shifted IOO IIO

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into position thereunder, and means associated with said barrel for disengaging said lockinglugs and said forks.

10. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a sliding barrel, a pair of cartridge-chambers located one on either side of said barrel near the breech end, a stationary member beneath said barrel, a pair of cartridge-shifting forks pivotally mounted on said stationary member and adapted to shift cartridges from said chambers into position beneath said barrel, a pair of spring-lingers provided on said stationary member, each of said spring-iingers havingapair of upwardly-projecting lugs one of which is' adapted to lock the cartridgeshifting fork in position under the barrel after a cartridge has been shiftedinto position beneath the barrel, and means provided beneath the barrel for engaging with the other lug upon each of said spring-fingers to depress either of the fingers and release the cartridgefork locked by either of said fingers.

11. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a sliding barrel, a pair of cartridge-chambers located one on either side of said barrel near the breech end, a stationary member beneath said barrel, a pair of forks pivotally mounted on said stationary member and ad apted to shift cartridges from said chambers into position beneath said barrel, apair of springngers attached to said stationary member and each having a pair of upwardly-projecting lugs the rear one of which is adapted to lock the fork in position beneath the barrel, and a pivoted cam mounted beneath the barrel and adapted to contact with the forward lugs on said spring-fingers and to depress said springngers sufciently to release said cartridgeshifting forks.

12. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a sliding` barrel, a pivoted cam secured in positionbeneath said barrel, a stop-lug for limiting the pivotal movement of said cam, a spring adapted to hold said cam always in contact with the stop-lug, a pair of cartridgechambers, apair of cartridge-shifting forks located in said chambers, and ribs upon said forks adapted to be engaged by said cam to operate said forks.

13. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a sliding barrel, a pivoted spring-actuated cam secured beneath said barrel and movable therewith, a stationary member beneath said barrel, a pair of cartridge-chambers located one on either side of said barrel near the breech end, a pair of cartridge-forkspivotally mounted on said stationary member and adapted to ing a cartridge, said latch mechanism being adapted to be engaged by said cam and thrown into operative position.

14:. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a sliding barrel, a magazine adjacent to the breech end of said barrel at one side thereof and below the level of the barrel. means for shifting a cartridge from the magazine to a position beneath the barrel, an elevator adapted to raise a cartridge from position beneath the barrel into alinement with the bore of the barrel, a rod havinga cam-groove associated with thebarrel and reciprocated thereby, a pivoted lever having one end connected with the elevator and the other end engaging the cam-groove inv said rod, whereby the reciprocation of said rod raises and lowers said elevater.

15. In a magazine-firearm, a cartridge-elevator comprisinga member mounted for vertical reciproeation, and a pair of spring-actuated cartridge-gripping jaws projecting forward from said member and each having the forward portion curved to conform to the contour of the cartridge and at thel rear a vertically-disposed groove immediately in front of said member to permit the upward passage of the head of a cartridge.

16. In amagazine-iirearm,astationary member having laterally-projecting studs, a cartridge-elevator comprising a vertically-slidable plate having guide-loops engaged by said studs, and a pair of spring-actuated cartridgeelamping jaws projecting forward from said slidable plate.

17. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a sliding barrel, a magazine adjacent to the breech end of said barrel, means for shifting a cartridge from said magazine to a position beneath said barrel, a downwardly-projeeting lug at the breech end of said barrel, said lug being curved to correspond to the curvature of the cartridge and serving by engagement with said cartridge to hold the same in position beneath said barrel, and a cartridge-elevator beneath the breech of said barrel into which a cartridge will be forced by the rearward movement of said sliding barrel.

18. In a magazine-firearm having a barrel, a magazine below the level of said barrel, said magazine being open at the bottom for charging, a pivoted closure-plate for said magazine, a pair of lugs provided on said closure-plate, spring actuated follower fingers pivotally mounted on said lugs, said follower-fingers having slots intermediate of their ends, equalizer-fingers pivotally mounted on said closureplate in the rear of said lugs, and studs provided on said equalizer-fingers and adapted to engage the slots in the follower-fingers, the cartridge-engaging end of such pivot members maintaining the same positions relatively to each other during the entire upward movement within the magazine.

19. In a magazine-firearm, the combination IOO IIO

with a slidable barrel, a breech-piece provided 'on its opposite sides and bottom with ribs and grooves, those on the sides being arranged on lines oblique to the aXis of the bore, and a slidably-mounted locking-bolt having similarly-disposed ribs and grooves for engagement with those ofthe breech-piece and exercising a cam-like action in forcing the breechpiece in the direction of breech-block of the firearm.

20. In a magazine-rearm, a slidable barrel, a breech-piece rigidly secured thereto, a slidable` locking-bolt disposed at right angles to said barrel for engaging with said breechpiece, cams provided on said locking-bolt, and a reciprocating member having grooves for engaging with said cams to throw said locking-bolt into and out of operative position.

21. In a magazine-iirear'm, a frame having forwardly-extending portions forming guides, a barrel slidably mounted on said guides, a breech-piece rigidly secured to said barrel, a locking-bolt slidably mounted in said frame and engaging positively with said breechpiece, a spring interposed between said lock-k ing-bolt and said frame to cause frictional engagement between said locking-bolt and said frame, and means for operating said lockingbolt.

22. In a magazine-iirearm, the combination of a pivoted hammer, an eccentric lever for cocking said hammer, a sear, a trigger, a trigger-latch, a lever for throwing said triggerlatch into operative position, and a reciprocating member engaging said eccentric lever and the lever for locking the trigger-latch and throwing them into operative position.

23. In aiirearm, the combination of a hammer, a sear, a trigger having a recess formed therein, a trigger-latch entering said recess, an automatic lock engaging said trigger-latch and serving to lock it in operative position, and a reciprocating member for cooking said hammer and throwing said trigger-latch into operative position.

24E. In a firearm, the combination of a hammer, a trigger having a recess, a trigger-latch entering said recess, an automatic lock engaging said trigger-latch and holding it securely in operative position, and a reciprocating member operating on one movement to cock said hammer and throw said trigger-latch into operative position and serving upon the reverse movement to partially disengage the lock for said trigger-latch.

25. In a iirearm, the combination of a sliding barrel, a locking-bolt for said barrel, a cartridge-elevator, a sliding fore-end, and a rod having cam-grooves adapted to be engaged by portions of said elevator and said lockingbolt and attached to said sliding fore-end.

26. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of amagazine, means for shifting cartridges from said magazine to said barrel, a sliding fore-end for imparting movement to said cart'ridge-shifting means, and a latch-pin upon said fore-end by means of which said cartridge-shifting means may be rendered operative or inoperative at will.

27. In a magazine-firearm, the combination of a magazine, means for shifting cartridges from said magazine to the barrel, alock, a sliding fore-end, connections between said fore-end and said shifting means and between said fore-end and said lock whereby the movement of said fore-end operates said cartridgeshifting means and said lock, and a catch upon said fore-end by means of which the movement of the fore-end may be limited so as to prevent the operation of the cartridge-shifting means without binding the operation of the lock.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

ALFRED MILROY NOLF. 

